News

Public Library Remains Poor Man’s University – NLN

Published

2 years ago

May 22, 2024

Editor

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has said that the public library remained the poor man’s university, a learning and social place of inclusivity.

Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Library of Nigeria, stated this in Bauchi on Tuesday at the 6th conference of the National Librarian and Directors, Chairmen of Boards of Public Libraries.

According to her, a public library is also a place where barriers to greater heights and ceilings to everybody’s potential are shattered.

“The condition of public Libraries speaks loudly of the place of knowledge and education in the Nation’s development plan.

“I must emphasize at this point that investment in our public libraries remained a viable means and gateway to achieving 17 SDG goals in our dear country Nigeria.

“However, the National Library can only achieve the mission of enhanced literacy, reading, knowledge provision and information access if we work together with state governments and leaders of public libraries.

“We recognize that literacy is not merely the ability to read and write but a gateway to opportunity, empowerment, and social inclusion all revolving around the 17 SDG goals,” she said.

Anunobi, who is also the National Librarian, NLN, lauded Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state for his generous support and sponsorship of the conference.

Also speaking, the Bauchi state Commissioner for Education, Dr Jamila Dahiru, said that public libraries were more than just repositories of knowledge, saying they were dynamic hubs of learning, community engagement and social transformation.

“They provide inclusive access to information, promote literacy and lifelong learning, support education and empower citizens to participate in the democratic process.

“It is worth noting here that in addition to the State Library and the Azare zonal library, the governor has approved the extension of such libraries in our two other zones, we have over 100 libraries in junior and senior secondary schools in the state,” said the Commissioner.

In his address, governor Mohammed who was represented by the Speaker, Bauchi state House of Assembly, Suleiman Abubakar, said that the Bauchi State Library has achieved remarkable milestones under his administration.

Notably, he said, was the approval of the establishment of two new zonal public libraries in Alkaleri and Ningi, in addition to the existing one in Azare.

According to him, the expansion aimed to promote reading culture and support education, ensuring that the citizens have access to information and resources to improve their lives.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.